Snow Leopard Population Genetics and Diet Analysis in the Baltistan Region of Northern Pakistan

Abstract

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia), is perfectly evolved to endure the frigid temperatures and rugged, inhospitable mountain terrain found throughout its Central Asian home range (1). This, along with it’s phantom-like behavior, make snow leopards especially difficult to study. Nonetheless, because of the vulnerable situation of this feline, it is imperative to research and gather as much information related to snow leopards as possible.

Fortunately, the emergence of population genetics through noninvasive scat sampling has made collecting data on elusive animals easier, making it the preferred method for doing research focused on difficult to observe fauna. This approach can provide information about species, sex, and individual identification, population density, species distribution, home range, land use, and diet (2).

Population genetics is the primary focus of this study due to the fact that data it provides such as the total number of remaining snow leopards, where populations are located, and where these populations are declining is information necessary for conservation action (1). Scats will be collected from the field and delivered to two separate institutions, both of which will run the same samples and cross-reference each other’s results. Samples will be run through several polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), each providing valuable data regarding snow leopard sex distribution, population density, and genetic diversity (2).

Dietary analyses will aid in clarifying prey availability and abundance. Previous studies have found ungulates, both wild and domestic, to make up the bulk of snow leopard’s diets (3). Their ungulate diet is supplemented with birds and small mammals, especially in the colder months when snow leopard demands outweigh the wild ungulate populations. Knowledge gained from analyses may ease tensions between snow leopards and humans by deflecting undeserved blame put on leopards by farmers for depredation (3).

Aside from retaliatory killings, other major threats to snow leopards include poaching, illegal trafficking of their parts, habitat loss due to livestock grazing and human expansion, and decline in natural prey due to legal and illegal hunting (3). Moreover, Pakistan has been ranked 7th most effected country in the Long-Term Climate Risk Index according to the German think tank – Germanwatch. Rising temperatures have led to an expansion of the upper forest limit, diminishing the home range of Panthera uncia and creating an environment for which they are not adapted.

The results of this study are expected to elucidate the health of the entire ecosystem. Genetic testing highlights snow leopard population statistics, while dietary analyses give insight into the prey species and even plant matter of the area. Data gathered through this research will provide answers to lingering unknowns and will be used to encourage positive change to protect the reducing environment of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.